James Coleman, Rifle Brigade

[MacGrigor]

I had the details of his spell from 1887 to 1893. I only discovered this second spell yesterday! Can’t account for what he was doing between that enlistment date and the formation of the battalion.

[ShaunJ]

Thanks for that! I’ve just got up the Silver War Badge record - it says he enlisted in September 1914, yet the battalion wasn’t raised until November 1915. How could he have been in the Army till then? His battalion was a Territorial Army one.

Presumably he was a reservist in one of the supernumerary Territorial Force companies before November 1915.  He didn't serve overseas until 1916 so the previous unit doesn't show on the medal rolls.

[MaxD]

Understood -  almost certainly in another set of records which do not appear to have survived.

MaxD

[MacGrigor]

I keep on reading about the supernumary companies. What exactly were they? I've searched and searched, but don't get any clear answers.

[ShaunJ]

I keep on reading about the supernumary companies. What exactly were they? I've searched and searched, but don't get any clear answers.

See the section on "National Reserve" here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_home_army_in_the_First_World_War

[MacGrigor]

Thanks! Got a much better picture now. Also I have the scans of his pension, would anyone please be able to take a look at them for me if I PM them over?